Try, Test and Learn Fund

Overview

This program aims to efficiently test new approaches, learn from them and expand the evidence base to inform future government policy, with the overall aim of improving lives by reducing welfare dependency.

It provides funding for both the co-development and delivery of projects. Co-development refers to collaborative activities to refine project design, for example through workshops with end users.

Tranche 2 of the Fund will finance small-scale trials of new or innovative approaches to support people at risk of long term welfare dependence. The four priority groups are:- Newstart Allowance recipients aged 50 and over (with a focus on those who have been out of the workforce for longer than 12 months)- Migrants and refugees aged 16-64 and receiving income support- Carers aged 16-64 and receiving Carer Payment- At-risk young people aged 16-21 and receiving income support

This tranche will also welcome ideas to support other vulnerable groups at risk of long-term welfare dependence.

A total funding pool of $79.6 million is available over four years with $50 million is available in Tranche 2.

Eligible applicants must:- Be one of the following entity types:a) Companyb) Indigenous corporationc) Incorporated associationd) Co-operativee) Incorporated Trustee on behalf of a Trust (signed Trust Deeds must be provided)f) Local governmentg) Partnership (signed Partnership Agreement must be provided)h) Sole traderi) Statutory entityj) Person- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or be willing to obtain one prior to execution of the Grant Agreement.- Be registered for the purposes of GST or be willing to register prior to execution of the Grant Agreement.- Be a permanent resident of Australia.- Have an account with an Australian financial institution.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete eligibility requirements.

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities include:- Staff salaries and on-costs which can be directly attributed to the provision of the grant activity in the identified service area or areas as per the grant agreement.- Employee training for paid and unpaid staff including Committee and Board members that is relevant, appropriate and in line with the grant activity.- Operating and administration expenses directly related to the project as per the grant agreement, such as:a) Telephonesb) Rent and outgoingsc) Computer/IT/website/softwared) Insurancee) Utilitiesf) Postageg) Stationery and printingh) Accounting and auditingi) Domestic travel/accommodation costsj) Assets as defined in the terms and conditions of the grant agreement that can be reasonably attributed to meeting agreement deliverablesk) Payment to subcontractors to perform eligible grant activities

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete information on eligible activities.

Main Assessment Criteria

The main assessment criteria include:- Demonstrate the target group’s need for their project- Explain how their project will address the target group’s needs.- Explain how the implementation of their project will achieve the grant objectives.- Explain how their project will achieve value for money for the Commonwealth.- Demonstrate their organisation’s capability to successfully deliver the project and achieve the grant objectives, including its ability to deliver on time.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete information of the assessment criteria.

Restrictions

The following are ineligible for funding:- State or Territory government.- Unincorporated association.- Overseas resident.- Purchase of land.- Capital expenditure.- Subsidy of general ongoing administration costs such as rent, electricity and phone not directly related to the project being delivered as part of the grant agreement.- Costs to attend and travel to conferences.- Overseas travel.- The covering of retrospective costs, that is costs incurred prior to the commencement of the grant agreement.- Costs of business as usual activities that are not part of the project being delivered as part of the grant agreement.